Hi Anyone interested in coming to Ballarat for our activities in 2026 (did you know you can be a member of 2 Branches? We are pretty active so maybe consider joining us as your second Branch to stay across our activities for the year)
If you have never been on one of our APS committees before here are some links to find out and a nomination form if you would like to join the committee look online on the APS site at:
Branch committee structure and the APS Member Groups Committee Nomination Form
And here is the link to register your attendance, the AGM attendance is free to attend, but if you would like to stay for some fun, we are having a Trivia night immediately following with some yummy Oscar’s eats:
Ballarat Branch AGM and Trivia Night
APS Events: 25656 | APS
Also, we have our first event (well 4 really) of the year ONLINE already in place:
Connection and Belonging: A Four-Part Series
4.00 CPD Hours APS Branch CPD | Event number: 25756 and link to register:
APS Events: 025756 | APS
Overview
Discover the Power of Connection – A Four-Part Professional Series
Dates: 5, 12, 19 & 26 February 2026 | Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Following the overwhelming response to his thought-provoking session on Loneliness, Paul Martin returns for an exclusive four-part series that goes beyond theory—delivering practical, evidence-based strategies to help you foster genuine connection and belonging in the individuals and communities you serve.
Registration gives you full access to all four sessions in this series
Across four Thursday evenings, you’ll gain:
✔ Actionable tools to combat isolation and strengthen relationships
✔ Fresh insights into the psychology of belonging
✔ Real-world applications for mental health professionals
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this four-part series, participants should be able to:
Understand the psychological mechanisms underlying loneliness, connection, and belonging.
- Identify evidence-based strategies for fostering social connection and reducing loneliness in clients.
- Apply practical tools to enhance connectedness within therapeutic and community contexts.
- Reflect on personal and professional practices that promote genuine human connection and wellbeing
About the presenter
Professor Martin, Psychologist and acclaimed speaker, brings a wealth of experience in translating psychological research into engaging, practical, and inspiring sessions for clinicians and community audiences alike.
Looking forward to seeing you soon – if you can come along to the AGM, it’s where we will start organising our activities for 2026 – come and have your say.
Regards
Jacqui
APS Ballarat Branch
Chair